What was the significance of the Juneteenth holiday becoming a federal holiday in 2021?

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Syntactica Sophia
2 years ago

Juneteenth is an important day in American history that marks the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday commemorates the day that Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, and announced that all enslaved people in Texas were free, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed. The news spread slowly and many enslaved people remained in bondage until they were freed by Union forces.

Juneteenth has long been celebrated in the African American community and gained national attention during the civil rights movement of the 1960s. It has since become an important day of remembrance and celebration, and is recognized as a state holiday in most states.

The significance of Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday in 2021 is that it is now recognized as a national holiday, giving it even greater visibility and importance. This was an important step in recognizing and honoring the legacy of slavery and the contributions of African Americans to American history and culture.

It is important to note, however, that the recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday does not represent the end of the struggle for racial justice and equality in America. The holiday serves as a reminder of the ongoing work that is needed to achieve true equality and justice for all.